B.C. Butcher Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

B.C. Butcher Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 8, 2017

While most teenagers are lost in concern about social standing, personal appearance, and educational performance, Kansas Bowling decided to pour her energy into making a movie. Well, at least half of one, hiring a cast and crew to make the “B.C. Butcher,” a 52-minute-long ode to juvenile and monster cinema of the 1950s and ‘60s. Bowling is a child and she’s made a childish picture, lacking a great deal of polish more seasoned talent would be able to conjure. However, with a tight squint and careful control of the fast-forward button, there’s a moderate amount of entertainment value to be found in “B.C. Butcher,” showcasing Bowling’s interest in silly business and grisly encounters.

One million years ago, tribal leader Neandra (Leilani Fideler) is upset with one of her rivals, sensing betrayals as she tries to keep local hunk Rex’s (Kato Kaelin) attention. Turning to murder to solve her problems, Neandra is faced with all new challenges with the arrival of the mythical B.C. Butcher (Dwayne Johnson), a monstrous figure who’s urged to exact revenge by the spirit of the disemboweled victim, soon picking off the tribe one by one while Neandra attempts to keep control over her rapidly dissenting flock, including Poppy (Molly Elizabeth Ring), Anaconda (Natasha Halevi), and blind soothsayer, Bamba (Devyn Leah).

“B.C. Butcher” is more of a sitcom than a movie, with Bowling (who scripts with Kenzie Givens) paying tribute to the caveman epics of the past. However, instead of embarking on an expensive Harryhausen-style path, Bowling goes campy, turning her film into party with excitable characters and extensive music, including a performance from The Ugly Kids. I’m not entirely sold on the notion that “B.C. Butcher” is a feminist production, as core conflicts are centered on male approval, but Bowling has fun with the work, keeping jokes available and casting well, finding the actresses appealing and perfectly aware of what type of endeavor they’re involved in.

B.C. Butcher Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation delivers the basics of the "B.C. Butcher" viewing experience, with the 16mm-shot picture looking passable on Blu-ray. Technical limitations remain (including focus issues), and clarity is challenged by softness and mild artifacting, exploring cartoon costuming and make-up work, woodsy locations, and the titular monster's mask. Primaries are secure, with greenery handed the most screentime, while costuming keeps its primitive browns. Skintones are ample and natural. Delineation is comfortable.

B.C. Butcher Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 LPCM sound mix receives quite a work out, leading with loud soundtrack selections that retain sharp instrumentation and position, dominating when the mood strikes. Dialogue exchanges are adequate, fuzzing out some when hitting particularly violent emotional outbursts. Atmospherics are pronounced, delivering a sense of space and group presence.

B.C. Butcher Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Intro (3:33, HD) welcomes viewers to the wilds of Mesopotamia, where Troma President Lloyd Kaufman, writer/director Kansas Bowling, and radio personality Rodney Bigenheimer are lost, looking for signs of an ancient civilization, joined by The Toxic Avenger.

• Commentary features Bowling and Kaufman.

• "Pre-Historic First Scene" (2:51, SD) isn't clarified, but it appears to be a test sequence from "B.C. Butcher" used to help promote its crowdfunding campaign.

• "'B.C. Butcher' Goes Apeshit in Hollywood" (11:46, SD) takes viewers to the film's premiere at the Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles. Kaufman is there on the red carpet to host the evening arrivals, scoring interviews with Priscilla Presley, Jon Gries, Blondie drummer Clem Burke, and a host of Troma-world lunatics and movie fans. Bowling is also there, looking overwhelmed by publicity needs.

• Interview (15:21, SD) is coverage of a Skype call between Kaufman and Bowling, who's at home in her kitsch-laden room (topped with a portrait of Barbara Bach), sharing biographical highlights with her co-financier. Bowling discusses her creative influences and favorite movies, along with the trials of raising money for "B.C. Butcher," disputing a rumor that she didn't earn the cash to make the picture. Perhaps most surprising is the revelation that the now 20-year-old director is dating 69-year-old Bingenheimer. It's clear throughout the conversation that Kaufman is absolutely smitten with the helmer.

• "Disco" (3:23, SD) is a music video directed by Bowling for the band Death Valley Girls.

• "Post-Teenage Angst" (3:21, SD) is a second music video, performed by The Coquettes, featuring cameos by Cheri Currie and Bingenheimer.

• "Troma Now Xtreme Edition" (1:43, SD) is a commercial for the company's website, sold with dark humor and graphic nudity.

• "Radiation March" (:56, SD) is a short dance piece concerning the dangers of pollution.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

B.C. Butcher Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Thankfully, "B.C. Butcher" is short, as Bowling doesn't have nearly enough budget and imagination to bring the effort to feature length standards. At least when it misfires, the movie doesn't punish with a bloated run time. Bowling has a lot to learn about timing, taste, and tone, but for a first picture, she makes an impression. Not always a positive one, but there's something here that suggests more considered madness to come.